Frequently Asked Questions
We encourage you to look at Our Services for more information.
Having a baby is a life changing event. A doula is there to help the family through this transition. She is a calm and steady presence in, what can be, a chaotic period. She is experienced in caring for and feeding newborns and can guide you through this uncertain time while you gain the confidence in your own parenting abilities. For many people, their families provide them with this support in the fourth trimester, however, for those who do not have family available, or who want an alternative perspective, a postnatal doula may be right for you and your family.
Our postpartum doula services include the provision of non-medical, physical, emotional, educational and family support after the birth of your baby to give you the time to bond with your baby and the skills to feel confident as new parents. We will:
- Assist you with self-care recovery measures.
- Provide information on mother and baby care.
- Assist you in caring for and feeding your new baby/babies including breastfeeding support.
- Assist you with adjusting to new roles within the family.
- Offer household organisational support including preparing meals, grocery shopping, laundry, light tidying and dishwashing.
- Provide referrals to additional supports you may find useful in your community.
Waterford Doulas are bound by the Standards of Practice set down by our certification bodies e.g.
DONA International and the Doula Association of Ireland. As such, we cannot:
- Diagnose medical conditions in the mother or baby; however, referrals to a health care provider will be made when appropriate.
- Take over care of the baby or force you to do anything; however, we will assist you in learning to care for their baby’s needs.
- Engage in heavy housecleaning such as mopping, cleaning bathrooms or gardening; however, recommendations can be made to providers of these services in the area.
- Provide transportation; however, we may accompany you on errands such as attending postnatal appointments or breastfeeding/parenting support groups.
We can provide care of the baby (and siblings) for short periods providing that a parent remains in the premises so that you can rest, have a shower, focus on caring for your newborn or spend some quality time with the baby’s sibling(s). For long term minding of siblings, information on local child minding options can be made available to you.
Currently, Waterford Doulas do not offer a nighttime service.
You can arrange a free consultation appointment with your Doula by completing the web form on the Contact Us page and we will contact you by phone as soon as possible.
At the time of booking, you will be given a Postnatal Doula Service Agreement to complete with your Doula and a non refundable booking deposit will be payable to secure your Doula’s availability to your family. This deposit will act as credit towards you final care sessions.
No, this consultation appointment is an opportunity to meet the Doula but does not oblige you to book with our service. We would encourage families to take the time they need to be comfortable with booking with us. However, your Doula’s availability is not secured until the Postnatal Doula Service Agreement has been completed and the booking deposit paid.